2015 Hyundai Sonata GL 6AT

Quick Look

The Hyundai Sonata raised many eyebrows, in a good way, during its 2011 debut and has since made several tweaks to continue to raise the bar. For 2015, the Sonata returns with even more refreshes, including upscale cues, more room and refined interior.

Full Review

The previous-generation Hyundai Sonata raised the bar in the mid-size sedan segment as it hit all the marks in order to be a great competitor in this class. The 2015 Sonata got another refresh, but this time, it takes things to a more mature level by adding more refinement and features. The Sonata has been around since 1985 and has gone from an afterthought of a car to a bold competitor in the segment. This five-passenger vehicle is a great option for those looking for a well-equipped vehicle at a reasonable price. That is, however, how the Sonata stays competitive – it has a bunch of standard features, while costing slightly less than the competition.

The exterior design of the 2015 Sonata is what Hyundai describes as “an athlete in a well-tailored suit.” While it may be a more toned-down version than the one last year, it seems as though the design will also have more longevity. The more mature look includes wider shoulders and horizontal lines that give off a calmer look. There is also an addition of a rear lip spoiler and its chrome surrounding, which in conjunction with the dual exhaust with bright tips, adds a sporty touch.

The cabin of the Sonata is as clean as the car’s outward appearance. The centre stack got straightened out and the hierarchy of controls re-evaluated thanks to a bit of regrouping. The overall design is more formal than that of the previous generations, while the steering wheel is sportier, which is reminiscent of the Genesis. The available features inside the cabin really make it so that this vehicle can compete in the segment. The cabin is spacious, being able to comfortably fit the five passengers that it promises. Those in the back get even more hip and legroom this time around, but headroom stays consistently tight for taller passengers due to the sloping roofline. The trunk is ample at 16.3 cubic feet of space and the 60/40 split-folding seats will only increase the room for cargo. There is no doubt that the materials, space and overall quality of the Sonata cabin have improved for 2015.

As for tech specs in the Sonata, it is completely dependent on the trim level that you go with to determine how good your features will be. The lower trim levels get a pretty basic radio, CD player, USB port and Bluetooth with audio streaming. Moving up in trims can deliver an all-new infotainment system that will be displayed on an eight-inch touchscreen display. This system will include navigation, smartphone-app capability and much more.

As for the powertrain, the 2015 Sonata actually comes with quite a few different options. A 2.4-litre four-cylinder that produces 185 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque powers the SE, Sport and Limited models. Meanwhile, the Sport 2.0T gets a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 245 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The Eco version gets a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, rated at 177 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, and a seven-speed automatic transmission. The other Sonatas come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.

Overall, the 2015 Hyundai Sonata has really distinguished itself as a player in the mid-size segment. The bold moves made a few years ago have paid off completely by gaining plenty of attention, and this refresh aims to keep it.

General Specs

Engine

2.4000 L

Horsepower @RPM

188

Fuel Type

Unleaded

Body type

Sedan

Number of Doors

4

Passenger

5

Drive Train

Front Wheel Drive

Transmission Type

Automatic

Power and Performance:

A 2.4-liter four-cylinder rated at 185 hp and 178 pound-feet of torque powers the SE, Sport and Limited models. All Sonatas are front-wheel drive, and all engines except the Eco's are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Sonata SE has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 29 mpg combined (25 city/37 highway). The Sport and Limited trims are slightly less at 28 mpg combined (24/35).

The Sonata SE is fairly basic inside, but materials and build quality are improved over those in the base trim level from last year's Sonata. With their plusher door trim and additional cabin accents, the higher trim levels compare pretty well to those of segment rivals. Not surprisingly, the Limited trim, with its available two-tone color schemes and convincing wood grain trim, is particularly appealing. The Sport 2.0T features heavily bolstered sport seats for added lateral support during spirited back-roads drives.

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